In a surprising victory at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Rajasthan United FC (RUFC), an I-League team, defeated Mumbai City FC (MCFC), one of the giants of the Indian Super League, 1-0 in their Group D match of the 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup on November 3, 2025.
The only goal of the match came in the 43rd minute, scored by newly signed Robinson Blandon, culminating a first half in which RUFC went from initial defensive pressure to dominating through physical intensity and tactical discipline. Despite some early chances from set pieces, MCFC was unable to break down RUFC’s solid defense in the second half, thus securing the first victory for a second-division team in this edition of the tournament.
Key Events and Performances
MCFC Initial Pressure (13′): Lallianzuala Chhangte’s cross created chaos in the RUFC penalty area. Goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri parried the ball, but it slipped through his hands; Blandon cleared the danger.
RUFC Physical Dominance: RUFC committed 15 fouls and received three yellow cards (P.P. Shafeel and Abdul Samed Ango, both of RUFC), using hard tackles and physical challenges to disrupt MCFC’s rhythm.
Goal (43′): Pangambam Naoba Meitei drove down the left flank before finding Blandon unmarked outside the box; the Colombian fired a precise low shot into the bottom right corner.
Second Half: MCFC pressed forward but lacked a finishing touch, while RUFC sat back and launched sporadic counter-attacks.
Among the standout players were Robinson Blandon (RUFC), whose goal and clearance demonstrated his immediate impact as a new signing, and Pangambam Naoba Meitei (RUFC) for his assist. Chhangte, of MCFC, created danger but failed to convert.
RUFC coach Vikrant Sharma praised his team’s preparation, which exploited MCFC’s 4-4-2 formation by drawing them out wide and exploiting the central spaces. MCFC coach Petr Kratky admitted that small errors and lapses in discipline proved costly, despite his players’ efforts.
This result dealt a heavy blow to MCFC’s title aspirations, exposing the vulnerabilities of their defense against the physical intensity of lower-level teams and forcing them to rethink their strategy ahead of the crucial match against Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) on November 6.
For RUFC, it was a morale boost, reaffirming their “Desert Warriors” spirit and demonstrating that I-League teams can compete with the ISL elite, potentially increasing Blandon’s profile and attracting scouts’ attention. The victory also reignited RUFC’s hopes of reaching the semifinals, keeping them alive with 3 points from two matches.
Among the wider consequences was increased scrutiny of MCFC’s performance following their earlier group stage victory against Sporting Club de Goa (SCD), with fans expressing surprise at the starting lineup’s dip in form.
Social media was abuzz with reactions, ranging from celebrations of RUFC’s fighting spirit to memes about MCFC’s “Islanders” collapse. Meanwhile, KBFC’s resounding 3-0 victory over SCD cemented their dominance, leaving them on the verge of qualification.
Standings inferred from match results and qualification scenarios; KBFC leads after victories over RUFC and SCD
RUFC’s masterful tactics and relentless intensity have turned Group D into a thrilling, nail-biting battle, with three teams now vying for a semifinal spot: KBFC as favorites (a draw is enough), MCFC need a resounding victory over KBFC if RUFC beats SCD, and RUFC maintains a slim chance thanks to the draws in head-to-head matches.
This match underscores the Super Cup’s role in bridging the gap between the ISL and the I-League, fostering competitive equality, and delivering exciting and unpredictable matches.
For MCFC, it’s a wake-up call; for RUFC, a springboard. The decisive match on November 6 between MCFC and KBFC promises to be spectacular and could determine not only the standings but also the momentum for the start of the ISL season.
